The St. Augustine Garrison will perform a monthly Changing of the Guard usually held 5:30pm-7:30pm. The event represents the heightened state of military readiness which occurred in early 1740.

Due to the War between England and France (The War of Jenkin’s Ear), the St. Augustine Garrison was on high alert and posted a guard at the Governor’s residence.  Maintained around the clock, the guards were “locked and loaded” and ready to shoot any trespassers.

When their relief showed up, the newly arrived replacements were inspected and then loaded their weapons. The existing guards then had to unload their weapons. The safest way to do this is to fire them. After the discharge of the muskets, the old guard retires and marches off to be relieved for the day.